Our History

Monster Lake Ranch is the vision of Dan, Sandy, and Mattie Eddleman, fourth and fifth generation ranchers and land stewards of the Oar Lock Ranches, located in Montana and Texas. Inspired by the same entrepreneurial spirit that shaped the West, their desire was simple: create a unique place that offers others the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the landscape, while also experiencing the hospitality of true western culture and values. A place where everyone is welcome and free from the confinements and stress of everyday life.

In 2012, their vision became a reality when the Eddleman’s found their dream destination nestled in the heart of Buffalo Bill Cody country. This nearly 10,000-acre ranch is conveniently located 8 miles south of beautiful downtown Cody, WY and only 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park. The management and service team at Monster Lake Ranch hope you can truly experience why Buffalo Bill spent his life in Cody and why some of the leading fly fisherman and bird hunters in the world rate Monster Lake Ranch their top destination choice. Previous guests claim the Eddleman’s have done just that – brought the true living experience of Wyoming’s magnificent cowboy and fishing history into their lives.

Dan and Sandy Eddleman have been around horses and rodeo all their lives. Their knowledge and passion for Quarter Horses is evident daily, whether it is on their Montana cattle ranch, in their Texas training facility, or right here at Monster Lake Ranch.

Dan was raised on cattle ranches, beginning in New Mexico where his grandfather, JW Shoemaker, started him young on good horses, and then in Montana where Dan continues to ranch today. Mr. Shoemaker’s Foundation line of Quarter Horses were famous in the horse world, and his protégée Dan went on to win the 1983 AQHA World Championship in calf roping and have a successful career in the PRCA.

Dan’s skill at horse training was evident in how many of his calf roping horses carried world champion cowboys to the pay window. Tom Ferguson, Roy Cooper, D.R. Daniels, Chris Lybbert, Dee Pickett, and Mike Beers are but just a few of the champions that rode Dan Eddleman’s horses.

Sandy Eddleman was born to a rodeo family herself. Her father, John W Jones, was a World Champion steer wrestler.

Sandy has seen success as a top performer in her own right with Miss Blue Moolah. She’s a 1976 Pacific Coast Junior Western Pleasure Champion, who went on to become a Superior Western Pleasure Champion.

Sandy also won the 1989 Oklahoma City Barrel Futurity on Brandy Thirteen, one of our brood mares. She also competed on Thingamajig (full brother to Brandy Thirteen), winning over $70,000 at rodeos, futurities and jackpots. In 1993, Lita Scott-Price borrowed Thingamajig and won her Sierra Circuit Finals and went on to win 4th in the average at the NFR, including running the fastest time of the rodeo year.

Sandy also competed and won on Joaks Brenda, another of our brood mares. Joaks Brenda won over $60,000 in rodeo and Barrel Racing Futurities, including 4th at Fort Smith.